Spencer Hawken and Jon Guerriero (in orange) with the other participants

Spencer, the deputy centre manager of Mercury Mall in Romford, took part in a fire walk to raise money for the shopping centre’s charity of the year.

“It was a bit daunting, but we were given tuition in advance,” he said.

“I must admit it was something I always wanted to do, but never had a good reason to do it.”

That all changed as he and his colleague Jon Guerriero hot-footed it - quite literally - to the Brentwood Centre this weekend.

Spencer Hawken corssing coals (pic: David J Behn)

They were part of a group who took turns at walking over hot coals in the name of charity.

“Saint Francis Hospice provides all of its services free of charge to support patients in the local community with life-limiting illness and we hope the money raised by this event not only highlights the valuable work they do but generates much needed funds to ensure they can continue with this excellent work,” said Spencer.

“Both Jon and I would like to thank those people who sponsored us for their generosity.”

Spencer and Jon have raised £150 in sponsorship so far, but donations are continuing to come in. The fire walk is just one of a series of fundraising events that the shopping centre is involved in this year.

They will be working with the charity on a 30th birthday fun day on July 30 as well as a Halloween activity and a Christmas carol concert later in the year.

The hospice provides care to more than 4,000 people each year across Havering, Barking and Dagenham, Redbridge and Brentwood.

If you’re obsessed with Apple or just love a good gadget, this is a prize that will blow you away! An incredible £3,333 to spend on Apple goodies! How would you like to be the proud new owner of the Apple Watch?